Ikebana

On the 16th of January, several of us were treated to an eye-opening session with Mrs Yong Lai Quen on the art of Ikebana (生け花), the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Mrs Yong graduated from Sogetsu-Ryū, one of the most notable schools of Ikebana out of thousands of schools.

Previously, she had also enlightened many of us on the art of Ikebana during our FOC 2016 while we visited the Japan Creative Centre (JCC) during our race around Singapore. Our race coincided with an Ikebana exhibition by Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 held at the JCC, which commemorated 50 years of friendship between Japan and Singapore. If you have missed both these opportunities to learn more about Ikebana from her, fret not! Here is what you’ve missed.

Ikebana originated with flowers offered up at altars by monks in the 7th century, eventually being placed in the tokonoma alcove of a home. Buddhist teamasters popularised the practice in the 16th century and today, the practice still prevails. The art has constantly developed over time; incorporating new ideas, yet retaining its essence. Now there are over 2000 schools registered with the Japanese Ministry of Education, each with their unique trademark or specialising in certain styles. Currently, the 3 most popular schools are Ikenobo, considered the original school, Ohara-Ryū and Sogetsu-Ryū.

There are many different styles of Ikebana, each developed at different times and for different functions. However, the basics of Ikebana remain the same. As Ikebana is an art expressing the harmony between nature and mankind, the 3 main components of a Seika arrangement is known by some schools as ten (heaven), chi (earth) and jin (human), each represented by the lines from the stems and leaves of the arrangement. From this basis, other styles were developed with the change in times.

With modernisation in the 20th century, the moribana style formed, a distinct hallmark of Ohara-Ryū. This style could be placed in westernised homes, no longer limited to the tokonoma alcove in traditional Japanese homes. In moribana, the vases are shallow or baskets are utilised, and are filled with water, to replicate a natural pond. Depending on the length and angle of the arrangement, there can be further classification of different types of moribana. The most common one is the upright moribana, followed by slanting moribana.

Another style is Jiyuka, which Mrs Yong’s school, Sogetsu-Ryū, specialises in. It is a style that emphasises freedom in expression. This style does not limit the arrangement to only flowers and all kinds of materials may be used, allowing the artists to freely express themselves and their passion through Ikebana.

While Ikebana is an art that is centuries old, it is by no means outdated nor to be appreciated as mere tradition. It is constantly evolving to suit the times and continues to be an outlet for expression, a path to connect ourselves with nature. It is the art where life is given to the flower and in turn, we are reminded of how nature has given life to us.